The Most Embarrassing Places Toddlers Have Tantrums

Updated: January 29, 2015

Just like the weather, it's hard for moms to predict exactly when — or where — a toddler tantrum storm will hit. The result: Your munchkin has a meltdown, and all eyes are on you. Read and relate to these embarrassing tantrum tales from What to Expect members.

Embarrassing Places Toddlers Have Tantrums

One minute your tot's smiling from ear to ear, and the next you feel like you've got the Incredible Hulk on your hands. Even though you can rest assured that every little one loses it from time to time, tantrums can be tricky (and awkward) to handle — especially under certain circumstances (namely, in public). Get ready to feel better about your own tot's outrageous outbursts by reading the most embarrassing places WTE moms have dealt with toddler temper tantrums.

What's Up Doc?

"I took my little one to the doctor's office for his first appointment. Right after I told the whole staff how good he was, all of a sudden he threw a full-on tantrum. The doctor just said, 'It's okay, Mom, they always make you look like you're fibbing at the worst times.'"

—Kisha R.

Forget Library Voices

"My little girl once threw a tantrum in the library: One of the only places where silence is actually required."

—Cassie S.

Nuptial No-No

"We were at my uncle's wedding and the reverend asked, 'If anyone has any reason that these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace.' At that exact moment, my daughter yelled 'NO!' and started having a tantrum. The whole church burst out laughing. I was so embarrassed, but couldn't help but laugh with them!"

—Amy H.

Stranger Slip-up

"I always told my boys that if anyone tried to abduct them to yell as loud as they could 'You are not my mommy, you are not my daddy. I don't know you!' We were in the grocery store one day, and he was mad because I wouldn't buy him something. So he just sat down on the ground and threw a tantrum. As I stooped down to pick him up, he screamed those words I had told him to reserve for abductors. Immediately people started swarming around us and staring at me. I was completely mortified."

—Zakiya R.

Pity Party

"I was at Walmart with my son when he decided that it would be cute to start a riot. He just randomly started kicking and crying, twisting and turning. Everyone else's kids saw his behavior and decided to start fussing, too."

—Katie P.

Crowd Control

"We were at my brother's high school graduation when my son had a full-on tantrum. Everyone turned around to look at me, and I said, 'You guys turning around will not make him stop crying.' There were no issues from bystanders after that comment."

—Leola A.

Clean Up on Aisle Five

"We were at the supermarket when my little one decided to play the drama queen card. He then just lay on the floor and refused to budge. I think if protesters did this right in front of the parliament, they'd surely win!"

—Stacey A.

Mass-ive Meltdown

"We went to Sunday mass at church, and my son had one massive tantrum. All I could think was 'I hope they don't think he needs exorcising!'"